to your good health: A question concerning grapefruits and medication

Sunday

DEAR DR. ROACH: I take the statin drug atorvastatin since my heart surgery. The sticker on the bottle reads, "Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at any time while taking this medicine."

My cardiologist said this warning was based on rather thin clinical trials, and it was OK to continue eating one grapefruit in the morning and taking the statin at bedtime. Are there new developments on this topic?

ANSWER: Grapefruit juice indeed can affect the metabolism of atorvastatin (Lipitor) and many other medications. However, the amount of grapefruit needed in order to have a significant effect is quite high - the manufacturer recommends avoiding consumption of more than a quart (1.2 liters) of grapefruit juice a day.

I agree with your cardiologist that a grapefruit is a healthy way to begin the day and is not likely to cause any problems with atorvastatin.

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